House Leaders Dismiss Impeachment Rumors Against VP Duterte as ‘Fake News’

Manila, Philippines – House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe addressed circulating rumors on Thursday about a potential impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, dismissing them as unfounded and harmful to political unity.

According to Philippines News Agency, these rumors are baseless attempts to create discord between the Vice President and Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Dalipe clarified the rigorous standards and substantial evidence required for filing an impeachment complaint in Congress. He emphasized that unless Vice President Duterte has committed a wrongdoing, there should be no concern about these allegations. He also called for truth and transparency in politics, urging the public to avoid spreading rumors that could disrupt the democratic process and national unity.

Further dismissing allegations of a rift between Speaker Romualdez and VP Duterte, Dalipe noted that Romualdez has not made any decisions regarding a presidential bid for 2028 and has always treated Duterte with respect.

Deputy Majority Leader for Communications and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo also categorically denied any talks of impeachment over the issue of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF). Tulfo stated that he had confirmed with key House leaders, including the Speaker, that there was no substance to these claims.

The House Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Rep. Zaldy Co, has recently reallocated CIF from civilian agencies, including the Office of the Vice President, to intelligence and security forces. This move comes in response to escalating threats in the West Philippine Sea.

Despite Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro’s initial statement about discussions within the House on the potential impeachment of VP Duterte, Castro later clarified that these were informal talks among congressmen and not a concerted effort against the Vice President.

Tulfo insisted that there is no impeachable offense attributed to VP Duterte and that any future impeachment considerations would depend on valid grounds such as constitutional violations, treason, or loss of public trust. He stressed that the unity in the legislative chamber is centered on moving the country forward under President Marcos’ directive.